It’s a story that’s all too familiar. Two talented women, Maria DeSimone Prascak and Elizabeth Myers Castonguay, both faced discouraging words while in high school. In an era when women’s ambitions were often undervalued, these remarks might have dissuaded others, but for Maria and Elizabeth, they ignited a fire to succeed.
Maria’s counselor went as far as to tell her, “You’ll never make it. You have long fingers; learn to type and be a secretary.” Similarly, Elizabeth’s art teacher dismissed her aspirations with the claim that she’d never “Live, Work, and Breathe Art” because she was a woman. These comments, dripping with condescension and rooted in systemic sexism, were not uncommon at the time—and, unfortunately, echoes of them still persist today.
Maria and Elizabeth have spectacularly defied their counselors' predictions. Their works are celebrated not only for their beauty but also for the empowerment they inspire in others. They are paving the way for the next generation of women, including emerging artists like Ally Bartoszewicz, whose piece, Tall Poppy Celebration, embodies the strength and resilience that flourish when women uplift one another. Ally continues to build on their legacy with her own unique voice and vision, offering a powerful reminder that collective support amplifies individual success."
Elizabeth Myers Castonguay: Painting a Legacy of Empowerment
"I want to be an artist and, through my paintings, make the world a little better place," Elizabeth told her mother as a little girl. With relentless determination, she pursued her passion, earning a BA, BFA, and MFA in painting and drawing. Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable, with national recognition and numerous accolades honoring her innovative, thought-provoking work.
Elizabeth’s art celebrates the vast palette of humanity and the biodiversity of nature, weaving the two together to uncover deeper metaphors and universal truths. With over a million species of plant and animal life currently endangered or threatened, and women in many parts of the world still battling systemic threats to their rights and freedoms, Elizabeth sees a profound connection between these struggles. For her, Mother Earth and Mother Nature are not just environmental symbols but poignant representations of women—resilient, nurturing, and too often under siege.
Her piece Woman and Toucan (Endangered Body of Work) is a powerful example of her commitment to blending artistic expression with meaningful commentary. The woman's dress in the painting is crafted from an archival print of Elizabeth's earlier work, Value of Color, a 5-foot painting filled with birds that is now part of a permanent collection in a Pittsburgh law firm. A 6-foot reproduction of that painting once hung at the National Aviary. In Woman and Toucan, Elizabeth sewed the fabric onto the woman in the painting, weaving together past and present, art and advocacy. The flowers in the artwork, like the toucan, are endangered species, symbolizing the fragility and interconnectedness of life.
The original painting is on display at Songbird Artistry’s Flight of Empowerment exhibit and is available for purchase, click here.
Elizabeth's piece Enlightened (Endangered) further exemplifies her ability to combine stunning visual artistry with impactful messaging. The work challenges the concept of anthropocentrism, which places humanity above all other living beings. Through this painting, she emphasizes the delicate balance of nature and suggests that, if Mother Nature could thrive without one species, it might be humanity.
Like Elizabeth, Maria DeSimone Prascak defied the naysayers and followed her passion to become a celebrated artist. Both women prove that determination can overcome obstacles, with their art reflecting not only their individual journeys but also broader themes of human rights and environmental justice. Maria’s work is a powerful tribute to women’s strength and ressilence.
Maria DeSimone Prascak: A Pittsburgh Artist with Girl Power
Maria’s piece for A Flight of Empowerment is titled Girl Power, a deeply personal and stunning painting. Inspired by the harsh words of her tie-wearing high school guidance counselor, who doubted her potential as an artist, as well as other negative remarks she has faced throughout her life, Maria transformed these words into art. She embedded them within the water’s reflections beneath the Pittsburgh skyline, depicting them as lifeless fish—a powerful visual reminder of how far she has come as a woman thriving in a field often dominated by men.
A testament to her resilience and talent, Maria’s achievements include designing murals for Sarris Candies, the Pittsburgh Zoo, and UPMC Hospital. Through Girl Power, Maria turns negativity into a celebration of perseverance, contrasting the lifeless fish with the positive words in the sky surrounded by hearts. Through her art, Maria tells us: “Nothing is possible without love, and love for each other, as we are all connected.”
At 28, Maria experienced the loss of her father, a talented artist whose CB handle was "Dandelion." The dandelion moon in Girl Power symbolizes the end of one stage in life and the beginning of new possibilities, wishes, and dreams.
Always open to embracing new opportunities, Maria portrays her philosophy of trying, flying, and taking chances through the robins soaring forward, never looking back. The butterflies represent new life and transformation, while the doe with her fawn embodies the nurturing and healing power of Mother Nature, which has supported Maria and others throughout life’s challenges.
Maria DeSimone Prascak: A Journey Rooted in Pittsburgh and Creativity
Rooted in Maria’s love for her city, Girl Power prominently features the Pittsburgh skyline, serving as both a backdrop and a symbol of her journey—growing and thriving in the place where her career began. Maria's story is deeply intertwined with Pittsburgh, where she met her husband, Johno Prascak, at the National Aviary. Their shared passion for art and nature is reflected in their works, which are proudly displayed at the Aviary.
Maria’s paintings often feature the sloths, birds, and wildlife she adores, many of which are inspired by her connection to the Aviary. Her artwork is known for its whimsical charm, often paired with playful sayings like “We are family, I got all my penguins with me” or “I need a cup of slothee.”
The original Girl Power painting is on view at Songbird Artistry and available for purchase—click here to learn more. Prints of I Need a Cup of Slothee, her Pittsburgh-themed pieces, and other charming designs are available in the scrolling gallery below, complete with links to shop.
Maria and Elizabeth, both established artists, have carved remarkable paths in their careers, paving the way for emerging voices like Ally Bartoszewicz. Their journeys exemplify the impact of resilience, mentorship, and empowerment, showing how experienced artists inspire and support the next generation.
Though Maria and Ally had never met before participating in this exhibit, their work shares a meaningful connection through the use of poppies. Maria painted six poppies to honor the six most inspirational women in her life, each representing strength, courage, and wisdom. Ally’s piece, Tall Poppy Celebration, builds upon these themes, envisioning a world where people, especially women, uplift and celebrate one another’s successes. Maria’s painting is about lifting others up—it’s as if her poppies nurtured the field of possibilities where Ally’s could grow and thrive.
Ally Bartoszewicz: A Blooming Vision of Success and Support
Ally Bartoszewicz draws profound inspiration from the trailblazing women who came before her and the “miraculous force” of women uplifting one another. Reflecting on her journey, Ally shares, “Entering into the world of art and entrepreneurship has opened my eyes more than ever to the power of women coming together and supporting women. The amount of mentors I've had—women who have more experience in the business and are so willing to give me advice or an opportunity—and the supportive joy I've found in circles of women sharing their experiences and hyping each other up, it's nothing short of a miraculous force.”
A graduate of Notre Dame, Ally studied English with a concentration in Creative Writing and was a sprinter on the university’s track team. In addition to being a professional painter for the past four years, Ally is also a model. Her diverse pursuits reflect her creative spirit and passion for celebrating life’s beauty. She sees art as both a joyful reflection of her favorite parts of life and a space to dream of possibilities.
Her piece for A Flight of Empowerment: the Strength and Journey of Women, Tall Poppy Celebration, beautifully embodies these themes. Inspired by the concept of “Tall Poppy Syndrome,” which describes how individuals—particularly women—are often “cut down” for achieving success, Ally reimagines the idea as a vibrant celebration of growth and unity. The painting depicts a field of poppies, each unique in color, form, and height, symbolizing individuality and the strength found in supporting others.
“My painting illustrates my experienced truth: that people supporting people’s (especially women’s) success, and being inspired by it rather than threatened, always leads to more success across the board,” Ally explains. “Tall Poppy Celebration promotes a refreshing worldview where everyone can take up space, find joy, thrive, and cheer on everyone around them.”
Celebrating Home and Heart
Ally’s cheerful and calming style radiates through her work, often reflecting her favorite parts of life. Living in Pittsburgh, her art frequently pays homage to the hometown she adores. Two standout pieces, Pittsburgh in Bloom and Yinzer Wonderland, capture the city’s unique charm in vibrant, imaginative ways.
Pittsburgh in Bloom transforms the urban landscape into a lively burst of color, celebrating the city’s beauty and resilience. Meanwhile, Yinzer Wonderland—inspired by her mother’s cherished ceramic Christmas village—whisks viewers into a whimsical holiday scene. Picture this: Pittsburgh’s iconic skyline glittering under a starry winter sky, nestled where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers converge to form the Ohio. Tiny, twinkling lights illuminate festive buildings, and a snow-dusted Point State Park sparkles like a magical portal to a classic Christmas past.
For a behind-the-scenes look at Ally’s creative process, watch the video below, where she brings Yinzer Wonderland to life with her signature charm and attention to detail.
Share the Gift of Art and Empowerment
Celebrate your love for Pittsburgh or honor a remarkable woman in your life with thoughtful holiday gifts inspired by Ally Bartoszewicz’s vibrant artwork. From the empowering Tall Poppy Celebration to whimsical pieces like Pittsburgh in Bloom and Yinzer Wonderland, these creations make meaningful and unique presents.
The original Tall Poppy Celebration painting is available for purchase exclusively at Songbird Artistry. Prints, totes, and cards of Ally’s popular pieces, along with her beautifully illustrated children’s book Bye Ocean, are also available.
Browse the scrolling gallery below to view photos and links to purchase the original painting, prints, and merchandise. Or visit Songbird Artistry in person to explore these treasures and more.
Give a gift that celebrates individuality, empowerment, and the magic of the holiday season.
Empowerment on Display
The stories of Maria, Elizabeth, and Ally intertwine to create a narrative of resilience, determination, and the power of community. Each of their pieces reflects not only their personal journeys but also the broader story of women supporting women through generations.
Flight of Empowerment: Celebrating the Strength and Journey of Women is a collaborative art exhibit with LocalGood. These incredible works, along with many others from A Flight of Empowerment, are on display at Songbird Artistry through the end of the year. Stop by to experience the power and inspiration of this collection in person during our extended holiday hours.
Tuesdays: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesdays & Thursdays: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fridays & Saturdays: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, December 15: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Visit Songbird Artistry to experience the art in person, learn the stories behind these remarkable pieces, and take home prints or cards to share their message of empowerment. Let their journeys inspire you to prove anyone who doubts you wrong!
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